24 Jan, 2014
Congratulations to Adelaide’s 2013 Citizen of the Year Award Winners
Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood this afternoon presented the City of Adelaide 2014 Australia Day Awards at the City of Adelaide Chambers followed by a congratulatory reception in the Queen Adelaide Room from 4.30 pm.
The Awards are presented to local citizens or groups each year in three categories based on having made a significant contribution in 2013 or given outstanding service to the local community.
The 2014 Citizen of the Year Award went to Mr Keith Crellin OAM for his service to the South Australian Arts.
Keith has worked in the industry as a soloist, chamber musician, teacher and conductor for more than 25 years and has made a significant contribution to Adelaide as a cultural centre.
He is currently the Head of the String Department and Conductor-in-Residence at the Elder Conservatorium.
“Keith’s work in arts and culture in Adelaide goes much further than his incumbent roles, he has been a driving force behind positioning Adelaide as a leader in musical talent through his leadership and mentorship,” said Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood.
“He is a truly inspirational musician, his drive and motivation coupled with his ability to encourage and lead the talent of tomorrow is wonderful to see.”
The Young Citizen of the Year Award, awarded to persons under the age of 30 was presented to young entrepreneur Chris Hooper.
At the age of 24 Chris transformed a traditional accounting firm into one of the most hi-tech accounting practices in the state. Chris also played a key role in Startup Adelaide, a collaborative community focusing on IT.
“Many young people leave Adelaide to further their careers but I could see a great opportunity in Adelaide to develop a startup right here. With all the brilliant minds coming out of our universities, I have a vision that we can create our own opportunities and give people a reason to stay,” said Chris.
Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood believes if we are serious about Adelaide being an IT hub of the future, we need to encourage more entrepreneurial opportunities and we need more people with Chris’s drive and ambition.
“I congratulate Chris for his vision and commitment to positioning Adelaide as a hi-tech hub for Australia and for assisting other young entrepreneurs to be part of the exciting spaces around the city”.
The Community Event of The Year award was taken out by Fork on the Road, a regular mobile food vender event that occurs in the city throughout the year.
Organiser Joe Noone, first presented the idea to Council after seeing similar festivals in the United States a couple of years ago. The events have gone from strength to strength and now have a strong community following.
“Fork on the Road has become very popular with the people of Adelaide and it’s great to see an event that gets people out and about enjoying our beautiful Squares and Park Lands, congratulations to all involved,” said Stephen.
The Awards were presented as part of City of Adelaide’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, where 45 people, from 22 different countries around the world and aged between 20 and 62, were presented with their Australian Citizenship.
“I congratulate all of our new Australian citizens who have pledged their commitment to our great nation and will embrace the responsibilities and privileges of what it means to be Australian,” Stephen said.
Australia Day is the most popular day to become a citizen, with some 430 special ceremonies held across the nation.
Meanwhile almost 40,000 people are expected to converge on the city on Sunday for the annual Australia Day Parade and Concert.
The Parade begins at 6pm from Victoria Square, before making its way to Elder Park for the free twilight concert at 7pm, featuring Timomatic, Sarah DeBono and Georgie Bannard.
Festivities will end with a bang with a spectacular fireworks finale at approximately 9.45pm.
For further information about the Australia Day Concert and Parade contact:
Mathew Miles – Executive Officer, Australia Day Council (08) 8227 2601 or 0439 184 020